It’s Better to Be Fit and a Little Overweight Than Unfit and Unhealthy

“It’s better to be fit and fat, than fat and not fit”

When the doctor said those words, he chuckled and immediately added, “not that I should ever say the word fat…” We laughed, but his message landed: get moving and trim down a bit for health’s sake.

Doctor’s orders were simple: “Get fit” and lose a little weight. That felt like an annoying chore at first. Of all the things I enjoy, getting fit ranks low, and the idea of figuring out how to lose a little weight made me want to hide under a blanket and nap. Still, persistent stomach pain had become a motivating factor. I’d been living with a dull, almost constant ache for over a month. It wasn’t terrible, but it was new and worrying enough to prompt action.

I went through a battery of tests, all of which thankfully came back normal. The conclusion: I needed to improve my overall fitness and make a few healthier choices. Rather than embracing extreme diets—no gluten, no dairy, no sugar—I’d prefer small, sustainable changes that improve long-term health and well-being.

My game plan started on Pinterest, where I saved recipes, simple exercises, and lifestyle tips to a “get fit” board. One idea that caught my eye was infused water. I’d never tried it before, but the concept seemed appealing: water flavored with fresh fruit and herbs. Some people report that fruit-infused water makes staying hydrated easier, can help curb cravings, and supports digestion when used as part of an overall healthy routine. I decided to give it a try.

I treated myself to a big, reusable cup—one of those tall, iced drink tumblers everyone seems to carry—and began a small daily ritual. Each morning I fill it with ice, cold water, and a few slices of strawberries and lime. The water looks pretty, tastes refreshing, and I find I sip it consistently throughout the day. Drinking more water has been one of the simplest changes with noticeable benefits: improved hydration, fewer mindless snacks, and a pleasant, low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks.

Alongside the infused water, I added another habit that has made a big difference: daily walks. We’re discovering beautiful routes around town, and walking has become both exercise and a way to clear my head. One favorite loop brings us to a viewpoint where, around a bend, the water and shoreline open up into a small, peaceful scene. Seeing that view makes the effort feel worthwhile—exercise no longer feels like punishment but like a chance to enjoy fresh air and scenery.

The island visible from our walk is actually the one we used to live on. That small detail adds a layer of nostalgia to the routine and reminds me how much environment and movement influence mood. I still can’t get over how beautiful the surroundings are; the view keeps me motivated to lace up my shoes.

Today is a holiday here in Canada, and we’re packing a lunch to explore a new trail. What began as something I dreaded—“getting fit”—has quietly turned into a pleasant routine. The walks are gentle, the infused water is delicious, and I’m rediscovering an appreciation for slow, steady changes that actually stick.

And there are results. I haven’t lost weight yet, but an important improvement has occurred: my stomach pain is gone. Small, consistent changes—better hydration, sensible movement, and paying attention to my body—helped resolve the symptom that pushed me to change in the first place. That’s a win.

Tips from my experience that might help you: start with tiny, manageable changes; choose one habit that makes healthy living enjoyable (for me it was infused water); pick a simple daily activity you actually like (short walks outdoors worked wonders); and focus on consistency rather than perfection. These small shifts are more sustainable than drastic diets or punishing workout programs.

PS: I’ve refreshed the blog design recently and also started exploring Instagram. I’m still learning the platform but having fun sharing snapshots of our walks, infused water ideas, and simple, healthy meals. If you enjoy easy recipes and short lifestyle nudges—like a simple summer supper that’s perfect for barbecue season—you might find inspiration in those quick posts.

Getting fit doesn’t have to be dramatic. With a few small, enjoyable changes, you can improve hydration, increase daily movement, and reduce discomfort—one beautiful walk and one refreshing pitcher of fruit water at a time.